Beyond the Pleasure Principle

The play offers a witty and thought-provoking exploration of entomology through three acts, focusing on butterflies, creepers, crawlers, and ants, culminating in an epilogue on death and life. Karel Čapek, a renowned early-twentieth-century Czech writer, showcases his literary prowess in this work, which reflects his broader contributions as a playwright and critic. This modern edition includes a newly commissioned biography, enhancing the reader's understanding of Čapek's significance in literature and science fiction.